What comes into your mind when you picture “a nanny”??

Do you think that they are only accessible to the well off??

Do you think that they are all like Supernanny or Mary Poppins??

Do you think that they have to be Live in and Full time??

All of the above are very untrue!!!  In this article we hope to explain how different a nanny can be to the old expectations and that having one could be the best childcare decision that you ever make……..

YOU CAN AFFORD ONE!!!!
Many people seem to think that only very well off and “posh”  families can afford a nanny. These days, this is certainly no longer the case! If you have an Ofsted approved nanny you can pay part of her wages in vouchers ( provided by your employer)  which means you can save money on the tax that you pay, meaning quite a big saving in your pocket each month. Some people may also be able to claim financial support through the childcare element of the Working Tax Credit ( your nanny must be approved to do this) . Also, by having a nanny work part time, before and after school or even just odd hours here and there, you can afford this type of childcare. A good nanny agency should be able to advise you on these matters.

THEY DON’T HAVE TO BE FULL TIME OR LIVE IN!!
Again, many people imagine a nanny has to work full time and be live in. The reality tends to be very different. A good nanny agency should be able to go and find someone to fit in with you and your families needs, no matter how unique these may be!! As mentioned above, if you need a  nanny to work just after school, weekends, or maybe even just someone who you can call when your are stuck, this should not be a problem. And if you do need someone full time and live in, they should be able to find that for you too!!

THEY ARE NOT ALL LIKE SUPER NANNY!!!
I don’t know about you but I find “Super nanny” a bit intimidating!!  I feel that a good nanny should be chosen to fit in with you and your family, and that your personalities should match, in short you should just “click”. If you are very chatty and want someone the same or want someone who is quiet in her work, that is the type of person that you should have. There are many different types of nanny out there with many different personalities for you to choose from. It is a good idea to meet as many as you can for interview so that you can compare and make the right decision.

THEY DON’T JUST DO CHILDCARE DUTIES!!
A good nanny should be an extension of you therefore they should do all that you do!!  This may mean anything from  doing the weekly shopping, organising doctors appointments, handling deliveries and workmen in the home to do doing some housework. Usual  nanny duties should include the children's washing and ironing as standard, as well as their meal preparation and keeping their bedrooms and playrooms tidy. ( some are also happy to do adults ironing and housework for an extra cost - and sometimes even cooking the adults tea!!). Please note that a nanny is not expected to do housework as a standard duty and that all duties should be agreed by both parties and a contract should be drawn up

THEY WILL BECOME PART OF YOUR FAMILY!!
A good nanny will hopefully stay with you for a very long time and become an invaluable part of your family. Many nannies stay with a  family from newborn right up until they go to school and beyond, often staying to see brothers and sisters born too. As someone who sees you first thing in the morning after a bad nights sleep and at the end of the day from hell in the office, they do become a friend and someone who you are very comfortable with! Many nannies that I know have become Godparents to the children they look after and lifelong friends to the parents (maybe because they know too much!!)

So, do you have a different opinion of nannies now??

Article kindly provided by
Susie Barratt
The Nanny Company (Npton) Ltd
Web: www.nannycompany.co.uk